Route-electrical.co.uk Review

Based on looking at the website, Route-electrical.co.uk appears to be a legitimate electrical services company operating in London. They offer a range of domestic and commercial electrical services, including emergency call-outs, installations, repairs, and safety system installations. While the site presents a professional facade with clear service offerings and contact information, a deeper dive into the customer reviews reveals some concerning issues that warrant caution.

Overall Review Summary:

• Service Offerings: Comprehensive electrical services for domestic and commercial clients in London.
• Contact Information: Readily available phone numbers, email, and physical address.
• Certifications: Claims to be NAPIT-registered, with a verifiable link provided.
• Customer Reviews: Mixed, with several positive testimonials but also significant negative feedback highlighting professionalism and service completion issues.
• Transparency: Good initial transparency regarding services and contact details.
• Pricing: “Free Quote” available, but no explicit pricing structure on the site.
• Ethical Consideration: While the service itself is ethical, the presence of deeply conflicting customer reviews raises flags about consistent ethical practice and reliability.

The website of Route Electrical Ltd. aims to present a credible and trustworthy image, highlighting their 15 years of experience, NAPIT certification, and 24/7 emergency availability. They clearly list the areas they cover across London, from Bromley to Hackney, and detail their services like house rewiring, fire alarm installation, and CCTV. However, the integrity of a business, especially one providing essential services like electrical work, hinges on more than just a well-designed website. The “Electrician London Reviews” section, while showcasing positive feedback, also prominently features a highly critical review from a customer detailing unaddressed issues, alleged dishonesty, and threats regarding certification. This stark contrast in customer experiences is a critical point for any potential client to consider.

Best Alternatives for Electrical Services in London:
When it comes to essential home and business services like electrical work, reliability and trust are paramount. Given the mixed reviews for Route-electrical.co.uk, it’s wise to explore alternatives that have a consistently strong reputation for quality and ethical conduct.

• Pimlico Plumbers (Electrical Services)

  0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

  Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Route-electrical.co.uk Review Latest Discussions & Reviews:

  • Key Features: Renowned for high-quality, professional tradespeople across London, including electricians. 24/7 service, transparent pricing, strong customer service ethos.
  • Average Price: Generally considered premium, but often justified by reliability and quality of work.
  • Pros: Highly reputable, excellent customer service, prompt response times, fully certified.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than smaller, independent firms.

• Aspect.co.uk (Electrical)

  • Key Features: Offers a wide range of property maintenance services, including electrical. Transparent pricing, guaranteed work, covers all of London.
  • Average Price: Competitive, with clear hourly rates or fixed quotes.
  • Pros: One-stop shop for various property needs, strong focus on customer satisfaction, professional and reliable.
  • Cons: May have minimum call-out charges.

• Local Heroes (British Gas Electrical Services)

  • Key Features: Connects customers with trusted local tradespeople, backed by British Gas. Vetted electricians, fixed-price quotes, 12-month guarantee on work.
  • Average Price: Varies by job, but fixed quotes aim for transparency.
  • Pros: Backed by a large, well-known company, easy online booking, vetted professionals.
  • Cons: Availability might vary depending on location within London.

• TrustMark Certified Electricians

  • Key Features: Not a company, but a government-endorsed quality scheme for trades. Search for local, vetted, and quality-assured electricians who adhere to industry standards and codes of practice.
  • Average Price: Varies by individual company, but ensures a level of quality.
  • Pros: High assurance of quality and consumer protection, independent vetting process.
  • Cons: Requires searching for individual contractors, not a single service provider.

• NICEIC Approved Contractors

  • Key Features: Similar to TrustMark, NICEIC is a leading electrical assessment and certification body. Their approved contractors are regularly assessed to ensure high standards.
  • Average Price: Dependent on the chosen contractor.
  • Pros: Guarantees work meets British Standards, ensures competence and safety.
  • Cons: You need to find individual contractors through their directory.

• Rated People

  • Key Features: Online platform to find local tradespeople. You post your job, and up to three tradespeople respond with quotes. Includes customer reviews and ratings.
  • Average Price: Quotes are competitive as tradespeople bid for work.
  • Pros: Good for comparing quotes, access to numerous local professionals, customer reviews available.
  • Cons: Quality can vary, though reviews help in selection. Still requires individual vetting.

• Checkatrade Electricians

  • Key Features: Another prominent online directory for finding vetted tradespeople. Businesses are background-checked, insured, and reviewed by previous customers.
  • Average Price: Varies based on the electrician and job.
  • Pros: Thorough vetting process for tradespeople, extensive customer reviews to aid decision-making, wide coverage.
  • Cons: Still requires due diligence on the part of the customer to select the best fit.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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Route-electrical.co.uk Review & First Look

When you land on Route-electrical.co.uk, the immediate impression is one of professionalism and clear purpose. They’re all about providing electrical services in London, plain and simple. The homepage immediately hits you with key information: a 24/7 emergency service, contact numbers, and a direct call to action for a free quote. This is exactly what you’d expect from a service-based business; they want to make it easy for potential clients to get in touch.

Initial Impressions of the Homepage

The website’s design is clean and functional, prioritising ease of navigation. You can quickly see the range of services offered, from domestic house rewiring to commercial CCTV installation and EV charger unit installation. They clearly state their NAPIT certification, which is a significant credibility booster in the electrical trade, as it signifies adherence to industry standards and safety regulations. A quick check of the NAPIT register confirms “Route Electrical Ltd” (Member ID: 27436) is indeed listed, which is a good sign of legitimacy.

Key Information & Credibility Markers

Beyond the NAPIT certification, Route Electrical Ltd. provides a physical office address in London (19 Bournewood Rd, London BR5 4JN, United Kingdom), along with multiple contact numbers (020 7101 4855, 078 3344 5850) and an email address ([email protected]). They also link to their Facebook and Instagram profiles, suggesting a presence on social media. The site proudly displays a “4.9 Based on 88 reviews” rating, with links to various review platforms like Yell.com, TrustATrader, Checkatrade, and Google. This level of transparency in displaying external reviews, both positive and negative, can be a double-edged sword, as we’ll delve into later.

Route-electrical.co.uk Pros & Cons

Alright, let’s break down what Route-electrical.co.uk seems to do well and where it raises some eyebrows. It’s a bit like assessing a new tool for your workshop – does it hit all the marks, or are there some hidden snags?

The Good Bits: What Works Well

Route Electrical Ltd. certainly puts its best foot forward in several areas: Bentleyhaulageltd.co.uk Review

• Clear Service Offerings: From the get-go, you know exactly what they do. Domestic, commercial, emergency call-outs, installations, repairs, fire alarms, CCTV, EV chargers – it’s all laid out clearly. This specificity is crucial for anyone looking for an electrician.
• Strong UK Presence Focus: The website explicitly states its service area is “All of London,” listing numerous boroughs and areas. This local focus is excellent for SEO and for potential customers in those specific areas.
• Professional Appearance: The site is well-designed, easy to navigate, and uses clear, concise language. This creates an initial impression of a competent and reliable business.
• Verifiable Certifications: Their NAPIT certification is a big win. NAPIT is a recognised and respected body in the UK electrical industry. The fact that the membership number is provided and verifiable adds a layer of trust that many smaller operations might lack.
• Multiple Contact Methods: Phone, email, multiple numbers, and a clear request-a-quote form – they make it simple to get in touch, which is essential for emergency services.
• Transparency with External Reviews: They link directly to various review platforms, including Google Reviews, Yell.com, TrustATrader, and Checkatrade. While this opens them up to scrutiny, it demonstrates a willingness to present their customer feedback, for better or worse.

The Not-So-Good Bits: Areas for Concern

Now, for the potential downsides, and this is where you need to put on your detective hat. The seemingly transparent review section is where the wheels start to wobble.

• Conflicting Customer Reviews: This is the elephant in the room. While many reviews are glowing, there’s a highly detailed and damning review from “Lucien Bartram” that stands in stark contrast. This review alleges non-completion of work, dishonesty, excuses, threats regarding electrical certificates, and even fraudulent review practices. This isn’t just a minor complaint; it’s a serious accusation of unprofessional and potentially unethical conduct.
  • Data Point: The single negative review from Lucien Bartram spans multiple updates, detailing a protracted, unresolved issue stretching over months, culminating in alleged threats and a county court claim. This kind of detailed, persistent negative feedback is far more impactful than a simple “bad experience” and needs careful consideration.
• Lack of Explicit Pricing: While “free quotes” are offered, there’s no general indication of pricing structure (e.g., hourly rates, fixed fees for common jobs). This isn’t uncommon for bespoke services, but it means you’re relying entirely on their quote, which could be an issue if the alleged issues with overcharging or non-completion are true.
• Generic Blog Content: The “Our Latest Posts” section contains a blog with articles like “Benefits of Commercial CCTV Installation” and “How to Recycle Electronic Waste in London.” While useful, these articles are generic and don’t necessarily showcase unique expertise or insights specific to Route Electrical Ltd. They feel more like standard SEO content.
• Response to Negative Feedback: The website doesn’t directly address or respond to the detailed negative review from Lucien Bartram within the displayed review section. While businesses often respond on the review platform itself, the prominent display of such a severe complaint on their own homepage without any counter-explanation or resolution visible is noteworthy.

The presence of a detailed, severe negative review directly on their homepage is a significant red flag. While one bad review doesn’t necessarily sink a company, the nature of the allegations – uncompleted work, dishonesty, and threats – suggests a deeper issue than just a one-off poor customer experience. Any potential client should seriously consider this before engaging their services.

Ethical Considerations for Electrical Services

When we talk about ethical considerations for electrical services, we’re not just looking at whether a company is legally compliant. It’s about honesty, integrity, safety, and fairness. In the context of the UK, and particularly through an ethical lens, several factors come into play.

Adherence to Professional Standards and Safety

First and foremost, electrical work is inherently risky. Lives and property are at stake. Therefore, adherence to professional standards like BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) is non-negotiable. A company claiming to be NAPIT-certified, as Route Electrical Ltd. does, signifies they should meet these standards. However, the ethical practice extends beyond mere certification. It involves:

• Competence: Ensuring all technicians are properly qualified, trained, and experienced for the specific tasks they undertake.
• Safety Protocols: Implementing rigorous safety measures for both technicians and clients, minimising risks during and after work.
• Quality Workmanship: Delivering installations and repairs that are durable, reliable, and free from defects, ensuring long-term safety and performance.
• Proper Certification: Issuing all required electrical safety certificates (e.g., EICR, Electrical Installation Certificates) promptly and accurately, without coercion. The allegations from one reviewer about withheld certificates due to payment disputes are a significant ethical breach if true.

Transparency in Pricing and Scope of Work

Ethical businesses are clear and upfront about their costs and what the client is paying for. This includes: Scent-sation.co.uk Review

• Clear Quoting: Providing detailed, written quotes that clearly outline the scope of work, materials, labour, and any potential additional costs.
• No Hidden Fees: Avoiding surprise charges or unexplained costs after the work has commenced or is completed.
• Honest Assessment: Not overselling services or recommending unnecessary work. An ethical electrician diagnoses the actual problem and offers the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
• Transparency on Delays/Issues: If unexpected issues arise or delays occur, an ethical company communicates this promptly and explains the implications for cost and timeline.

Customer Service and Complaint Resolution

How a company handles its customers, especially when things go wrong, is a true test of its ethical compass.

• Responsive Communication: Being accessible and responsive to customer inquiries, complaints, and follow-up requests.
• Fair Complaint Handling: Having a clear process for addressing complaints, investigating issues fairly, and working towards a satisfactory resolution. The situation described in the negative review on Route Electrical Ltd’s site, where a problem persisted for six months with excuses and alleged refusal to fix, represents a severe failure in ethical complaint resolution.
• Respectful Conduct: Treating customers with respect, even in difficult situations, avoiding aggressive or threatening behaviour. The accusation of threatening to withhold certificates is particularly serious.
• Warranty/Guarantees: Standing by their work with appropriate guarantees or warranties, and honouring them when defects or issues arise from their workmanship.

Data Privacy and Confidentiality

While not directly tied to electrical work, any business collecting customer data online (via forms, cookies, etc.) has an ethical and legal obligation (GDPR in the UK) to protect that information. Route Electrical Ltd. does have a GDPR Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy linked in the footer, which is a positive. Ethical practice here means:

• Secure Data Handling: Protecting personal and financial data from breaches.
• Transparent Use: Clearly stating how customer data is collected, used, and stored.
• Consent: Obtaining explicit consent for data collection beyond what is necessary for service provision.

The allegations of a fraudulent review being left by an employee of the company, as stated by the negative reviewer, would represent a significant ethical breach related to integrity and fair business practice. This directly impacts trust and undermines the entire review system.

Route-electrical.co.uk Features

Let’s dissect the core services and capabilities that Route-electrical.co.uk advertises. Think of it as a blueprint of their operational capacity. They’re pitching themselves as a comprehensive electrical solution provider, and the features listed on their homepage support this claim.

Comprehensive Electrical Service Portfolio

Route Electrical Ltd. is not a niche player; they position themselves as a full-spectrum electrical contractor. This is evident from the breadth of services highlighted on their homepage: Hire2me.co.uk Review

• Commercial Electricians: This indicates their capability to handle larger-scale, complex electrical systems typical in business environments, often requiring different certifications and safety considerations than domestic work. This could include three-phase power, larger circuit boards, and more extensive wiring systems.
• Electrical Installations: From new sockets and lighting to complete system setups, this covers the foundational work for any property.
• House Rewiring: A significant and complex undertaking, crucial for older properties, ensuring compliance with modern safety standards and increased power demands. The website links directly to a page detailing this service.
• Fire Alarm Installers: Essential for safety and regulatory compliance in both domestic and commercial settings. Their ability to install these critical systems shows a focus on safety.
• Intercom System Installation: This points to their expertise in low-voltage systems and communication infrastructure, important for security and access control.
• EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Reports): A vital service for landlords and homeowners, these reports assess the safety and condition of existing electrical installations. They specifically mention compliance with BS 7671 British Standards for these inspections.
• Electrical Repairs: Covering everything from faulty wiring to circuit breaker issues, this is the bread and butter of any electrician’s work.
• CCTV Camera Installation: Another security-focused service, demonstrating their ability to handle integrated surveillance systems.
• EV Charger Unit Installation: A forward-looking service, catering to the growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at homes and businesses.

Emergency Response Capabilities

One of the standout features they actively promote is their 24/7 emergency service. This is a critical offering for electrical issues that can arise at any time and pose immediate hazards.

• 24/7 Emergency Electrician: The explicit mention of “24/7 Emergency Service Available” and “24/7 Emergency Call Out” right at the top of the homepage underscores this priority.
• Rapid Response: They claim their “local electricians in London are fast and efficient,” aiming for prompt diagnosis and repair of electrical faults. This is vital when dealing with power outages or dangerous electrical issues.
• Qualified Professionals: Emphasising “Qualified Emergency Electrician” suggests that even for urgent calls, they dispatch appropriately skilled personnel.

Certification and Experience Claims

Credibility in the electrical industry often rests on certifications and proven experience. Route Electrical Ltd. leans heavily on these aspects:

• NAPIT Certified: As mentioned earlier, this is a significant third-party endorsement of their adherence to industry standards and safety regulations. The direct link to their NAPIT profile for verification is a strong point.
• 15 Years of Experience: They proudly state “Electrical Engineers With 15 Years of Experience” and “over 15 years of experience in all electrical work.” This longevity suggests established expertise and a history of operation.
• Compliance with BS 7671: Their commitment to performing electrical repairs “in compliance with the BS 7671 British standards” is a testament to their dedication to safety and quality.

Geographic Coverage

Their clear definition of service areas simplifies the process for potential clients:

• All of London Coverage: A comprehensive list of over 20 London boroughs and areas is provided, ensuring customers can quickly identify if their location is covered. This transparency avoids wasted time for both the client and the company.

These features collectively paint a picture of a capable and professional electrical service provider. However, the presence of the serious negative review concerning service delivery and integrity must be kept in mind when evaluating the practical execution of these advertised features.

Route-electrical.co.uk Pricing

When you’re dealing with electrical work, getting a handle on the costs is usually one of the first things on your mind. With Route-electrical.co.uk, their approach to pricing is pretty standard for service-based businesses in this sector: they offer free estimates and quotes, but they don’t publish a fixed price list on their website. Rossiparlour.co.uk Review

The “Free Quote” Model

The site prominently features calls to action like “Get a Free Quote” and “Request A Quote,” alongside phrases like “book your free no obligation estimate.” This model is common for electrical services because:

• Variability of Work: Electrical jobs are rarely one-size-fits-all. The cost can depend on numerous factors:
  • Scope of Work: Is it a minor repair, a full house rewiring, or a complex commercial installation?
  • Materials: Quality and quantity of cables, sockets, fuse boards, light fixtures, etc.
  • Labour: Time required, number of electricians needed, complexity of the task.
  • Emergency vs. Scheduled Work: Emergency call-outs often incur higher rates due to immediate dispatch and after-hours work.
  • Property Type & Age: Older properties might have outdated wiring systems that require more extensive and costly work.
  • Location: While they cover all of London, specific access challenges or parking restrictions could subtly influence costs.
• Competitive Market: Providing custom quotes allows them to tailor offers to specific jobs and remain competitive, rather than being bound by potentially restrictive fixed prices.

What to Expect When Requesting a Quote

If you decide to engage with Route-electrical.co.uk for a quote, you would typically expect the following steps:

1. Initial Contact: You’d fill out their online “Get A Free Quote Today” form, providing details of the required work, and potentially attaching pictures. Alternatively, you could call their advertised phone numbers.
2. Assessment: For more complex jobs, an electrician might need to visit your property to assess the scope of work firsthand. This ensures the quote is accurate and accounts for all variables. For simpler repairs, they might be able to provide an estimate over the phone or email based on your description.
3. Detailed Quotation: You should receive a written quotation that breaks down the estimated costs for labour, materials, and any other relevant charges. An ethical business will ensure this quote is comprehensive and easy to understand.
4. No Obligation: As stated, the estimate should be “no obligation,” meaning you are not committed to proceeding with their services after receiving the quote.

Potential Concerns Regarding Pricing Transparency

While the “free quote” model is standard, the aforementioned negative review from Lucien Bartram, alleging that the company “wants to charge for finishing the job he completed badly” and that “Sergey threatened to withhold the electricity certificate without payment,” introduces a significant concern regarding the ethical application of their pricing and payment terms.

• Scope Creep & Re-charging: If issues arise post-completion and a company attempts to charge for rectifying their own initial poor workmanship, this is a major red flag.
• Withholding Documentation: Withholding crucial safety certificates (like an EICR) as leverage for payment, especially when work is disputed, is highly unethical and potentially illegal. Legitimate electricians issue these documents upon satisfactory completion and payment for completed work, not as a bargaining chip for disputed services.

These issues highlight the importance of obtaining clear, written quotes upfront, understanding payment schedules, and verifying the completion of work to your satisfaction before making final payments, especially if the work is critical and requires official certification. Always ensure you receive all necessary documentation upon completion and payment.

How to Get a Free Quote from Route-electrical.co.uk

If you’re in London and considering Route-electrical.co.uk for your electrical needs, the process for getting a quote is straightforward, as highlighted across their website. They seem to want to make it as easy as possible for potential clients to initiate contact and describe their requirements. Cfcapital.co.uk Review

Steps to Request a Free Quote

There are primarily two ways to get in touch with Route Electrical Ltd. for a non-obligatory estimate:

1. Using the Online Form:

   • Locate the Form: The most prominent method is through their “Get A Free Quote Today” form, usually located towards the bottom of the homepage, or accessible via “Request A Quote” buttons.
   • Provide Details: The form typically asks for:
     • Your Name
     • Email Address
     • Phone Number
     • A detailed description of the work required. This is where you should be as specific as possible about the electrical issue or project (e.g., “power outage in kitchen,” “installation of new outdoor socket,” “full house rewiring estimate”).
     • Attach Pictures: Crucially, the form allows you to “attach pictures.” This is highly recommended as visual information can significantly help the electricians understand the scope and nature of the job, leading to a more accurate initial estimate.
   • Submission: Once all details are filled in, you submit the form, and they commit to getting back to you.

2. Direct Phone Call:

   • Find the Numbers: Multiple phone numbers are displayed prominently throughout the website:
     • 020 7101 4855 (their main office/enquiry line)
     • 078 3344 5850 (another contact number, possibly for mobile/direct line)
     • These numbers are often accompanied by “Call Us Now” or “24/7 Emergency Call Out” labels.
   • Describe Your Needs: When calling, be prepared to describe your electrical issue or project in detail. For emergencies, they highlight their 24-hour service.
   • Ask for an Estimate: Explicitly state that you are looking for a free, no-obligation estimate for the work.

What to Expect After Requesting a Quote

• Initial Contact: You should receive a prompt response, either by email or phone, confirming receipt of your request.
• Further Questions/Site Visit: Depending on the complexity of your request, they might ask for more details. For larger jobs (like rewiring or major installations), they will likely propose a site visit to accurately assess the work and provide a precise quotation.
• Written Quotation: For any significant work, always request a written quotation. This document should detail:
  • The scope of work to be performed.
  • An itemised breakdown of costs (labour, materials, any call-out fees).
  • Estimated timeline for completion.
  • Payment terms.
  • Any guarantees or warranties on the work.

Important Considerations Before Proceeding

Given the mixed customer reviews, especially the detailed negative feedback, it’s wise to exercise extra diligence:

• Clarity on Scope: Ensure the quote precisely matches your understanding of the work required. If it doesn’t cover everything, clarify before agreeing.
• Payment Milestones: For larger projects, discuss payment milestones (e.g., percentage upfront, mid-project, final payment upon completion and certification). Avoid paying a large upfront sum if you’re unsure.
• Documentation: Confirm that all necessary safety certificates (e.g., EICR, Electrical Installation Certificate) will be issued upon satisfactory completion of work and included in the price. Clarify when these will be provided.
• Terms and Conditions: Review their “Terms & Conditions” and “GDPR Privacy Policy” linked in the footer.
• Alternative Quotes: It’s always best practice to get at least two or three quotes from different, reputable electricians to compare pricing, scope, and proposed solutions. This helps ensure you’re getting a fair deal and a robust solution. You can use platforms like TrustMark or NICEIC to find other certified professionals.

Route-electrical.co.uk vs. Competitors

When evaluating a service provider like Route-electrical.co.uk, it’s crucial to stack them up against the competition. This isn’t just about price; it’s about reputation, service quality, reliability, and ultimately, peace of mind. In the London electrical services market, there’s a wide spectrum of providers, from individual tradesmen to large, established companies. Gaylemansfield.co.uk Review

Route-electrical.co.uk’s Standing

Route-electrical.co.uk positions itself as a comprehensive, NAPIT-certified electrician serving all of London with 24/7 emergency services. Their strengths lie in:

• Certification: NAPIT approval is a strong credibility point, indicating adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Breadth of Services: They cover a wide range of domestic and commercial electrical work, making them a potential one-stop shop for many clients.
• Emergency Availability: 24/7 service is a competitive advantage, especially for urgent electrical issues.
• Geographic Coverage: Serving all of London is a large operational footprint.

However, the significant drawback, as noted, is the presence of the serious negative review concerning alleged non-completion of work, dishonesty, and threats. This directly impacts trust, which is paramount in a service industry.

Comparison with Key Competitors

Let’s look at how they might compare to different types of competitors in the London market:

1. Large, Established Firms (e.g., Pimlico Plumbers Electrical, Aspect.co.uk):

   • Pimlico Plumbers: Known for premium, high-quality service, quick response, and excellent customer support. They are typically more expensive but offer a strong guarantee of professionalism and reliability. Their brand reputation is massive.
   • Aspect.co.uk: Offers similar breadth of services with a strong focus on transparent pricing and guaranteed work. They aim for reliability and professionalism.
   • Comparison: These larger firms usually have more robust internal complaint resolution processes, higher overheads leading to higher prices, but also a more consistent and reliable service delivery model. Route-electrical.co.uk might be more competitive on price, but potentially at the risk of less consistent service or customer satisfaction, as suggested by the reviews.

2. National Service Connectors (e.g., Local Heroes, Rated People, Checkatrade): Durapump.co.uk Review

   • These platforms connect customers with local, vetted tradespeople. They act as intermediaries, providing a layer of trust through background checks and review systems.
   • Local Heroes (British Gas backed): Offers fixed-price quotes and a 12-month guarantee, leveraging the trust associated with British Gas.
   • Rated People/Checkatrade: Provide access to a wide pool of electricians with customer reviews, allowing comparison.
   • Comparison: While Route-electrical.co.uk is listed on some of these platforms (Google, TrustATrader, Checkatrade), using the platform itself might offer more recourse or vetting beyond what’s presented on their own website. These platforms offer a broader choice, but the quality can still vary by individual tradesperson. They often have more structured dispute resolution mechanisms.

3. Independent Local Electricians (Sole Traders/Small Businesses):

   • London is full of independent electricians. Many are highly skilled, offer competitive rates, and provide personalised service.
   • Comparison: Route-electrical.co.uk might be a mid-sized operation, larger than a sole trader but smaller than the giants. The key differentiator for independents is often word-of-mouth reputation. If Route-electrical.co.uk can maintain consistent positive feedback (and effectively address negative ones), they can compete well here. However, the prominent negative review makes it harder to compete on trust with reliable local independents.

Key Differentiators and Considerations:

• Reputation Management: A significant negative review, especially one alleging threats and fraud, can severely damage a company’s reputation, regardless of how many positive reviews they have. Competitors with consistently clean records or proactive, public responses to negative feedback will have an edge.
• Customer Support: How quickly and effectively a company resolves issues is a major differentiator. The alleged six-month delay and refusal to fix work in the negative review are critical failings here.
• Pricing Structure: While Route-electrical.co.uk offers free quotes, competitors like Local Heroes offer fixed-price quotes, which some customers prefer for budgeting certainty.
• Guarantees and Warranties: Understanding what guarantees are offered on workmanship and how easily they can be invoked is important. Larger firms often have clearer, more robust warranty policies.

In summary, while Route-electrical.co.uk presents well on paper with its certifications and service breadth, the serious nature of the negative customer feedback places it at a disadvantage against competitors who demonstrate more consistent ethical practices and customer satisfaction. For critical services like electrical work, trust and reliability often outweigh marginal cost savings.

FAQ

What services does Route-electrical.co.uk offer?

Route-electrical.co.uk offers a comprehensive range of electrical services for both domestic and commercial clients in London, including 24/7 emergency call-outs, electrical installations, house rewiring, fire alarm installations, intercom system setup, EICR reports, general electrical repairs, CCTV camera installation, and EV charger unit installation.

Is Route-electrical.co.uk a certified company?

Yes, Route-electrical.co.uk claims to be a NAPIT-registered electrical company. A check of the NAPIT register confirms “Route Electrical Ltd” is listed with Member ID 27436, indicating adherence to industry standards and safety regulations.

How can I get a quote from Route-electrical.co.uk?

You can get a free, no-obligation quote from Route-electrical.co.uk by either filling out their online “Get A Free Quote Today” form on their website, where you can describe the work and attach pictures, or by calling them directly on their advertised phone numbers: 020 7101 4855 or 078 3344 5850. Smcreditunion.co.uk Review

Does Route-electrical.co.uk offer emergency services?

Yes, Route-electrical.co.uk explicitly states they provide a “24/7 Emergency Service Available” and “24/7 Emergency Call Out” for urgent electrical issues in domestic and commercial properties across London.

What areas of London does Route-electrical.co.uk cover?

Route-electrical.co.uk states they cover “All Of London,” providing a detailed list of boroughs and areas including Bromley, Lewisham, Wandsworth, Greenwich, Croydon, Brixton, Clapham, Stockwell, Kennington, Vauxhall, Lambeth, Streatham, Tulse Hill, Carshalton, Charlton, Norbury, Mitcham, Tooting, Thornton Heath, Dulwich, Morden, Beckenham, Wallington, Richmond, Wimbledon, and Hackney.

Are the reviews for Route-electrical.co.uk positive?

Route-electrical.co.uk displays a “4.9 Based on 88 reviews” rating, with many positive testimonials. However, there is also a significant, detailed negative review from a customer alleging uncompleted work, dishonesty, and threats regarding electrical certificates, which warrants careful consideration.

Does Route-electrical.co.uk have hidden fees?

The website does not explicitly state a pricing structure beyond offering “free quotes.” While this is common for bespoke electrical services, the presence of a negative review alleging charges for poorly completed work and threats to withhold certificates suggests a potential for hidden or disputed fees, so it’s crucial to get a clear, written quote upfront.

How long has Route-electrical.co.uk been in business?

Route-electrical.co.uk states that they have “over 15 years of experience in all electrical work,” implying a long-standing presence in the industry. Nextgenhandyman.co.uk Review

What is NAPIT certification and why is it important?

NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers) certification is a scheme for electricians that ensures they are competent and capable of working safely and legally to the required standards. It’s important because it provides assurance that the electrician’s work meets safety regulations like BS 7671 and can be independently verified.

Can I see examples of Route-electrical.co.uk’s past work?

Yes, Route-electrical.co.uk has a section on their website titled “Our Work” with a link to “See All Projects,” allowing potential clients to explore their previous work.

What should I do if I have a problem with Route-electrical.co.uk’s service?

Based on the website’s information, you should first contact them directly via phone or email to express your concerns. If a resolution isn’t reached, and given the nature of some negative reviews, you might consider external dispute resolution, contacting NAPIT (if the issue pertains to their certification standards), or seeking legal advice for serious concerns.

Does Route-electrical.co.uk install security systems?

Yes, Route-electrical.co.uk explicitly states that their services include the installation of domestic and commercial safety systems, such as fire alarm installations, intercom systems, and home security cameras (CCTV Camera Installation).

What kind of electrical safety standards does Route-electrical.co.uk follow?

Route-electrical.co.uk states that their team will perform electrical repairs “in compliance with the BS 7671 British standards,” which are the IET Wiring Regulations, the national standard for electrical installations in the UK. Owendevelopments.co.uk Review

Is it safe to pay upfront for electrical work from Route-electrical.co.uk?

The website does not specify payment terms. Given the negative review concerning payment disputes and alleged threats to withhold certificates, it is always advisable to obtain a clear, written contract or quote, discuss payment milestones (e.g., partial payment upfront, final payment upon satisfactory completion and receipt of all required certificates), and avoid large upfront payments for significant projects.

Does Route-electrical.co.uk offer electrical testing and inspection services?

Yes, they offer EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Reports) services, which involve inspecting and testing existing electrical installations to assess their safety and compliance with current standards.

How quickly does Route-electrical.co.uk respond to emergencies?

Route-electrical.co.uk claims that their “local electricians in London are fast and efficient” and aims for prompt assistance for emergency electrical issues.

Are the technicians at Route-electrical.co.uk qualified?

The website states they employ “Qualified Electricians” and “Electrical Engineers With 15 Years of Experience,” and that they are a “NAPIT-registered Electrical company,” all indicating a focus on qualified personnel.

What kind of information is available in Route-electrical.co.uk’s blog section?

The blog section, “Our latest Posts,” contains articles on various electrical topics, such as “Benefits of Commercial CCTV Installation for Business Security,” “A Full Guide to House Rewiring,” “How to Recycle Electronic Waste in London?”, and safety tips like “How to Avoid Electrical Issues at Your Home.” Naturaloptions.co.uk Review

Does Route-electrical.co.uk provide services for electric vehicle chargers?

Yes, Route-electrical.co.uk lists “EV Charger Unit Installation” as one of their electrical services, catering to the growing demand for electric vehicle charging solutions.

What are the terms and conditions for Route-electrical.co.uk’s services?

Route-electrical.co.uk has links to its “Terms & Conditions,” “Cookies Policy,” and “GDPR Privacy Policy” in the footer of its website. It’s recommended to review these documents before engaging their services.